Alas Pilipinas drops Iran in 5-set thriller

Alas Pilipinas suffered its first defeat in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Volleyball Nations Cup, losing a five-set match to Iran with scores of 16-25, 25-21, 26-24, 23-25, and 13-15.

The loss puts the Philippine team's record at 2-1 in Pool B, forcing them into a must-win situation for their remaining matches.

Angel Canino led Alas Pilipinas with 21 points, followed by Eya Laure with 16 points, and Dell Palomata with 10 points.

Despite a late 13-11 lead in the fifth set, Alas Pilipinas could not secure the win, with Iran scoring the final points.

Angel Canino committed a costly attack error that led to Iran's match point, and Zarah Salehi sealed the win with a block on Canino.

Shaina Nitura and Vanie Gandler made significant contributions off the bench, with Gandler scoring a crucial ace in the fifth set.

Alas Pilipinas will face New Zealand on Wednesday and Kazakhstan on Philippine Independence Day in their next matches.